Catering and hospitality students at West Nottinghamshire College are benefitting from an overhaul of a college bistro where they’re currently training for future careers in the industry.

Thanks to funding from a grant-giving charitable trust, the college’s Relish eatery has undergone a transformation and was relaunched yesterday to staff and students (7 May) enabling more students to experience a real work industry environment, and giving wider choice for diners.

In December 2018, the college was granted £27,158 by the Savoy Educational Trust to further support the college’s work helping high-needs and lower-level learners (entry 3 to level 1) to progress and gain employment in the catering and hospitality trades.

The upgrade included total redecoration along with new flooring, tables and chairs, crockery and serving facilities, and new buffet hot plate facilities to support the speedy lunchtime service.

The restaurant also purchased a new set of outdoor furniture for the courtyard ready for the summer term.

Other plans include setting-up a small shop serving fresh bread and homemade bakery items cooked by the students.

Front of house trainer, Lee Coupe, said: “This cash boost has really improved the restaurant and it’s a much fresher, modern environment for the students to learn in.

“They’re now working with industry-standard hotplates and equipment which will make the service much smoother.”